COLDWATER, Mich. (WLKI)- Federal health officials say a Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has ended, easing concerns for restaurants and consumers in Michigan and several other states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations as the likely source of infections. Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily removed iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market during the investigation. CDC recall notice
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms can include prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite. The illness can be especially serious for people with underlying health conditions or those who become dehydrated.
Michigan health officials had reported a significant number of cases during the outbreak, with restaurants among the locations investigated as officials worked to identify common sources of exposure.
While the affected lettuce is no longer expected to be in stores or restaurants, federal officials continue to investigate how the contamination occurred at the farms and processing facilities involved.
Health officials continue to advise people to follow standard food-safety practices, including washing hands before preparing food and following product recalls when they are announced.